Official Extension of Residence Permits in Portugal (Decree-Law 85-B/2025)

The Portuguese government has officially announced a significant **Portugal residence permit extension**, a measure that brings much-needed stability to thousands of immigrants residing in the country. This decision, formalized by Decree-Law 85-B/2025, is a proactive response to ongoing administrative backlogs and aims to ensure continuity of legal status for foreign nationals.

Understanding the Portugal Residence Permit Extension

This **Portuguese residence permit extension** specifically targets residence documents that have expired or are set to expire until June 30, 2025. Consequently, these permits will now be automatically extended until October 15, 2025. This measure is designed to alleviate pressure on the immigration services (AIMA) and provides a crucial grace period for residents to process their renewals without fear of losing their legal status.

Who is Affected by Decree-Law 85-B/2025?

Indeed, this **residence permit extension** applies broadly to various types of residence permits, including those for:

• General residence permits
• Temporary residence permits
• Residence permits for CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) nationals
• Family reunification permits

Therefore, this blanket extension ensures that a wide range of foreign residents can maintain their legal standing in Portugal during this transitional period. (Source: LVP Advogados).

Key Implications for Residents

While the automatic **Portugal residence permit extension** provides immediate relief, there are several important implications and next steps for affected residents:

• Legal Status Continuity: The extension ensures that your legal status in Portugal remains valid, allowing you to continue working, studying, and residing in the country without interruption.
• Proof of Status: From July 1, 2025, renewal requests can be submitted to AIMA through a new contact platform. Upon submission and payment of the renewal fee, applicants receive a temporary six-month certificate confirming their legal residence status until the new card is issued. This certificate serves as official proof of your extended status. (Source: Arton Capital).
• Travel Considerations: Although the extension is valid within Portugal, it is advisable to consult with immigration authorities or legal experts regarding international travel, as rules for re-entry might vary.
• Preparation for Renewal: This extension is a temporary solution. Residents should utilize this time to gather all necessary documentation and prepare for the formal renewal process. AIMA is actively working to improve processing times, but being prepared will ensure a smoother transition.

Why This Residence Permit Extension is Crucial

The decision to extend **Portuguese residence permits** highlights the Portuguese government’s commitment to supporting the immigrant community and addressing the administrative challenges faced by AIMA (the agency that replaced SEF). The previous backlog of applications caused significant uncertainty for many foreign nationals. This measure aims to reduce administrative burdens and provide much-needed stability.

Furthermore, this **residence permit extension** aligns with broader efforts to streamline immigration processes. For instance, starting April 28, 2025, AIMA will only accept residence permit applications that are complete at the time of submission, a shift from previous procedures. Consequently, this emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation for all future applications and renewals. (Source: Jobbatical).

Next Steps for Individuals Affected by the Extension

If your **Portugal residence permit** falls under the scope of Decree-Law 85-B/2025, it is recommended to:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm that your specific permit is covered by the extension.
2. Stay Informed: Regularly check official AIMA channels and reliable immigration news sources for further updates on renewal procedures and appointment availability.
3. Prepare Documents: Begin compiling all required documents for your eventual renewal application to avoid delays.
4. Seek Legal Advice: If you have complex circumstances or uncertainties, consult with a qualified immigration lawyer in Portugal.

AimaHelp is dedicated to providing timely and accurate information to assist you through these changes. Stay connected with us for the latest updates and guidance on navigating the Portuguese immigration landscape.